I'm the Director of Sportsimpacts and an Economics Professor at the George Herbert Walker School of Business at Webster University in St Louis, MO.
I've conducted research at Super Bowls, Final Fours, All-Star Games, Ryder Cups, and numerous Division I NCAA Championship events.
www.sportsimpacts.net
www.webster.edu/business/depts/

Granted this news doesn’t have the far-reaching potential financial consequences as the currently topical Penn State sex scandal or the NBA Lockout.

But Golf Channel executives, as well as network and event advertisers, are likely giving Captains Couples and Norman a vigorous golf clap right now in approval of their team selections for the opening day of competition.

Given what has transpired between Mr. Woods and Mr. Williams over the last several months – including public disputes over the account of how Mr. Williams was let go to the caddie’s recent ethnic jab at the golfing star during a caddie roast as well as his verbal exuberance after his first tournament victory with Mr. Scott – one could say that the energy on the first tee Thursday afternoon Melbourne time among the men in that group might be slightly heightened.

And ratings will reflect it.

The Golf Channel has exclusive U.S. coverage of the matches Wednesday through Friday with live coverage tonight. If my math is correct, the Woods/Stricker v Choi/Scott match should start in prime-time around 10 PM EST/9 PM CST.

Jackpot…so say the sponsors.

The network’s sponsors.

As well as sponsors of any companies endorsed by Mr. Woods, Mr. Stricker, Mr. Choi, or Mr. Scott that might be visible on their equipment or on their apparel.

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